How to Be a Good Parent to Children with Allergies

Every parent wants only the best for their child, especially when it comes to their health and well-being. So, if your precious ones suffer from allergies, you have to do your best to protect them from allergens and keep them safe at home, outdoors and at school. Here’s where to start.

How to deal with food allergies?

Once your child is diagnosed with food allergies or intolerances, that means you have to be a bit more creative with meals and snacks. The first step is to understand and get to know groceries you can and cannot use in your food preparation and ways to find substitutes.

Ready-made meals and fast food should be avoided because you never really know the complete ingredient list. Today there are many cookbooks, blogs and websites that are dedicated to specific dietary needs that can help you create tasty and diverse meals for your kid from scratch. Also, make sure to inform your babysitter of your kid’s food allergies and create a good emergency plan if your kid ingests something that can trigger a reaction.

Avoiding outdoor allergens

The great outdoors is full of different allergens and triggers. If your kid is allergic to pollen, it’s best if you keep track of pollen counts and avoid going out when the count is at its highest. This usually happens in the morning, so move your visits to the park to the afternoon. After you come home from your nature walk, make sure to remove all clothes and take a shower. Additionally, keep car windows rolled up when driving, especially if your kid is sensitive to air pollution.

Pets and allergies

It’s very healthy for kids to spend time with animals, but children with pet allergies have to be a bit more careful. Moderate allergies might only require keeping the animal outside the house, while in more extreme cases you might want to find your furry friend a new home. However, don’t avoid all contact with animals if you want your kid to have a healthy relationship with them.

Dealing with indoor allergies

The biggest indoor allergy culprits are dust mites, dust and molds. Pay special attention that your kid’s bedroom is free of these allergens by regular vacuuming, dusting and ventilating. If your kid is especially sensitive to dust mites, wash his bedsheets and pillowcases weekly and keep them zipped inside special allergy-proof plastic covers. Also, decluttered shelves and bare floors are much easier to keep clean and dust free.

Your child can also be allergic to pests such as mice and cockroaches that lurk in your home. If you suspect the presence of these vermin, have your home inspected by exterminators. Also, vacuum your kitchen regularly and keep food containers tightly closed. Make your home a no smoking zone and install good air purifiers throughout your home. Ask for recommendations, search the net and find the best air purifier for allergies that will keep your home safe and clean.

Allergies at school

You can’t keep your kids at home all the time, but you can make sure they are protected when they go to school. Notify the school and your kid’s friends of their allergies and teach them not to accept any food from their friends. In case your kid has severe food allergies, it’s best to always have a bag lunch instead of eating in the cafeteria. Exercise in gym class can also trigger allergy symptoms, especially in kids with asthma. Notify the gym teacher and let them know whether your kid needs to use an inhaler before or during exercise.

Allergies might sound scary, but if you use your common sense, make some changes around the house and create a good emergency plan, your kid will have a happy and healthy life.